Saturday night the Michael C. Carlos Museum hosted their annual fundraiser Veneralia 2013 honoring acclaimed architect Michael Graves. Supporters and friends of the museum gathered for a silent auction, progressive cocktail reception, and global experience. Each room was decorated based on a theme.

In my space, I created a Sub-Saharan Africa Safari experience complete with African-inspired accessories, museum artifacts, African fare, and entertainment. You can read about the inspiration for my design in a previous post found here.

PRESENTING SUB-SAHARAN SAFARI by ERIKA WARD INTERIORS

Linens, provided by Party Tables, were used to create the entryway and drummer’s area. Billowing fabric provided guests the experience of partying inside of a tent. The cocktail table linens, also from Party Tables, were accented with a hemp rope to evoke a rustic, yet elegant feel.

Antiqued silver graced all three of the tables. I highlighted a vintage tea service set on the food table which gave that corner a very “Ernest Hemingway-esque” appeal.

Next to the drummer’s tent, the most talked about item of the night had to be the trio of Wimberly Mirror courtesy of I. O. Metro. This hot ticket item is gorgeous as a stand alone mirror, but is more striking when arranged in a grouping. It comes at no surprise that it was featured in the January 2013 issue of Better Homes and Gardens as a hot market find. Other items from I.O. Metro included the hanging masks, oversized vases, a gilded table lamp, and also a burnished-effect painted floor lamp.

I.O. Metro is one of my go-to spots when I need high impact accessories. I can always find what I need for design jobs and this event was no exception.

Food and service were provided by Dennis Dean Catering. The scrumptious menu was carefully selected by their staff to coincide with my vintage safari theme. We could not have asked for a more delectable meal.